Protecting the Environment – it’s one of Rotary’s areas of focus. Rotarians are committed to supporting activities that conserve and protect natural resources, advance ecological sustainability, and foster harmony between communities and the environment.

 

This is Environment Month in Rotary. In District 7430, we’re celebrating our focus on the environment by once again holding the Rotary Day of Service on April 20. On that day and throughout the month Rotarians across our 5-county District will be cleaning up their neighborhoods (streets, streams, parks, and trails), planting trees for the next generation, starting pollinator gardens to help increase our pollinating insect populations, and recycling single use plastics so they don’t end up in landfills.

 

At the District Assembly, the Environmental Sustainability Team will be presenting a breakout session on successful projects carried out by our District Clubs. Come to learn about projects that make a difference. We’ll talk about how to get started with your own pollinator and community gardens, tree plantings, stream restoration, and plastics recycling. And, you’ll hear how Rotarians are helping kids recycle food in schools so it stays out of landfills.

 

If you can’t make it to the conference, feel free to give me a call to discuss how you can get started with your club’s next environmental project. (Terry Reed 610-743-0818)

 

Do you garden with wildlife in mind? Here are some tips from Kay Greenawalt of the Hamburg Rotary Club:

 

By providing the basic elements of habitat – food, water, and cover, you can easily attract birds, butterflies, and bees to your garden. One way to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers is to plant native plants. Native plants thrive with little water. Using native plants helps to support 90 percent of butterflies and moths and up to 60 percent of native bees in a specific ecoregion. Bees are currently declining due to habitat loss and pesticide poisoning and are in need our help.

 

To learn more about supporting wildlife, you are invited to join the Hamburg National Wildlife Habitat Committee’s ANNUAL GARDEN TOUR, Saturday, June 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Tickets are $6 on the day of the tour and $5 presale. Self-guided tour guide and tickets can be picked up at Our Town Foundation, 320 State Street, Hamburg, PA. Any questions, please call Kay 610-562-4329 or 610-562-3106. Rain or shine. Light refreshments and door prizes will be available.